Some Iranians in Türkiye are crossing back over the border, driven by worry and desperation, as a nationwide communications blackout in Iran has left them cut off from their loved ones. Protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians. At the Turkish-Iranian border, many are returning with no certainty about what awaits them, filled instead with questions and growing fear for those on the other side of the border. With communications blacked out across Iran, those outside the country feel powerless to check on the situation back home. For some, this silence has prompted them to return across the border, even as tensions continue to rise. With protests escalating and government blackouts still in place, many Iranians are caught between staying in safety abroad and risking everything to reconnect with their families. Shotlist: Kapikoy crossing, Türkiye - Jan 12, 2026: 1. Various of people at Kapikoy crossing; 2. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Feriste, Iranian citizen (partially overlaid with shot 3): "I went to Van yesterday for internet. I urgently needed to use the internet. I got it done. Now I'm heading straight back. There are protests everywhere. We can't get any news. We can't communicate with our families. And it's not just me, there are many Iranians outside the country who can't reach their families." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 3. Various of people at crossing [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 4. Various of people at crossing; 5. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Husnu, Iranian citizen (partially overlaid with shot 6): "We can't get any news. There is no internet. Everything is shut down. I want to search. I want to find out. I want to see my brother. I'm going to see my family." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 6. People at crossing [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 7. Husnu leaving; 8. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Iranian citizen (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 9): "I work in Türkiye, and I have no news from Iran at all. I'm going back because I'm worried about my family. It's been days since I last heard from them, and because I'm worried, I'm returning to Iran now. Of course, we are concerned about our safety. We don't know what awaits us there." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 9. Crossing, people [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 10. Various of people at crossing; 11. SOUNDBITE (Turkish) Nazlican, Iranian citizen (partially overlaid with shot 12): "We had to come to Türkiye because we couldn't reach our families. Schools were closed already. All official institutions were shut down. We have no information about other cities either, because there is no communication network there. There is no television, no internet. We can't even check Twitter." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 12. People at crossing [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 13. Various of crossing, people. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]